72 Hours in Park City with Amber

Posted in Discover Park City
by Amber on December 9, 2011

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Since moving to Colorado, I make a point to visit Park City at least a couple of times a year. Not only does Park City Mountain Resort offer world-class skiing but the close-by Wasatch Mountains are an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. The vibrant dining, art and shopping scenes rival those of Aspen.

But there’s a problem.

My time is so limited when I visit that I have a few must-do activities, leaving little time for other explorations. Of course, there are far worse problems than repeatedly doing my favorite topnotch activities. So for your reading pleasure, here is a sampling of how I’d spend 72 hours in Park City. P.S. I also included something I want to try on my list this year.

Day 1

8:45 a.m. Drop kids off at PCMR’s Kids Signature Programs™. As they delightedly race off to make new friends and meet their ski instructor, shout “FREEDOM!”When out of their hearing range, of course.

9 a.m. Hit the slopes. With 3,300 acres spread over eight peaks and nine bowls, it usually takes me a few days to fully cover all the terrain. I’m an intermediate-advanced skier and I love the runs off the Silverlode lift. On a great powder day, this can’t be beat!

Noon—Lunch at Legends Bar & Grill. Whoever named this restaurant knew what they were talking about. Located at the base of PCMR just steps away from PayDay lift , their 8-oz Kobe beef Legends Burger is legendarily delicious. Their ginormous nachos are another must-order but be warned: you will get your fill (and more).

Afternoon—Ski off the calories without guilt.

Evening—Hit Park City’s Main Street! You know it’s good when a non-shopper like me loves perusing. Quaint shops and galleries abound—everything from books to sporting goods to candy shops to handmade feature to collectibles. If you’re a bargain hunter, head over to Park City’s popular factory outlet mall at 6699 North Landmark Dr. Park City.


7 p.m. Dinner at the Riverhorse  

Riverhorse’s patio overlooking Park City’s Main Street is almost as colorful as its contemporary American cuisine. Not-to-be-missed is the Trio of Wild Game: North American Buffalo, Elk and Venison Chop with huckleberry compote, wild mushrooms and herbed shallot. Riverhorse has the distinction of being the only restaurant in Utah to earn both the DiRoNA (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) Award and the Mobil Travel Four Star Award. www.riverhorsegroup.com

Day 2

8:45 a.m. Drop off kids at ski school, repeat freedom shout.

9 a.m. Check out Park City Mountain Resort’s “Signature Runs” of the day. The resort has 15 advanced runs that are groomed on a regular rotating basis. The results are steep, fun and fast for intermediate and advanced skiers. The Signature Runs are found on the Daily Grooming Report or ask any of the resort’s Mountain Hosts.

Noon—Lunch at High West Distillery & Saloon.

Located at the bottom of Quittin' Time ski run and next to the Town Lift, High West Distillery & Saloon is touted as the world’s only ski-in gastro-distillery. The kitchen prepares nouveau Western fare like the smoked, dry-rubbed tri tip with spicy coleslaw and barbecue chutney, made from their 16-year-old Rocky Mountain Rye. Facility tours are offered daily. www.highwest.com

1:30 p.m. Ski. Duh.

Evening—Gorgoza Park

Grab a pizza From Maxwell’s East Coast Eatery at nearby Kimball Junction and head over to Gorgoza Tubing Park. Eat your pizza in one of the cozy yurts and snag some hot cocoa before hitting the lift-served, floodlit, adrenaline-packed tubing hill. Little ones will also love the miniature snowmobile track and the Fort Frosty play area.

Day 3

8 a.m. Leisurely eat breakfast in your condo.

10 a.m. Cross-country skiing. Every single time I drive into Park City in the wintertime, I vow this is going to be my year to try the 20+ km cross-country ski track in the heart of Park City. Their three groomed loops + gorgeous mountain scenery = a winning combination! Passes and equipment are available onsite from White Pine Touring and hours are from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. This is my year!

1 p.m. Lunch at nearby Squatters. When I lived in Salt Lake City, I was a big fan of this brewpub and was delighted to learn they opened a location in Park City. The fare is delicious and fast and my kids love the ultra-cool atmosphere.

Afternoon/evening—Play! Build a snowman, go snow hiking (or snowshoeing) up Daly Canyon (above Main Street) or on a portion of the 30-mile-long Rail Trail that extends from the Prospector area of Park City down to Echo Junction along a former railroad route.  

Enjoy! (Because I know I will).